Choosing the Right Tool

In the modern world, we are surrounded by technology. Everything we do – be it work, play, or ‘nothing at all’ when scrolling through Twitter – creates data. As our lives become even more intertwined with technology, there must still be an outlet for practical, real-life methodologies for situations benefitting from this approach. We must understand not just how to navigate or use technology, but also identify when digital is the right tool, versus when the tried and tested ‘old-school’ methods are more appropriate.

Digital software and technology is a tool, much like any other. It’s intended to make life easier, make the task go more smoothly, more quickly. And, for the most part, this is the case – the leaps that technology has taken in the last couple of decades are incredible. We’ve gone from literally cutting and splicing film reams to using software so accessible and hassle-free that now pretty much anyone can take something recorded on their phone and convert it into something reasonably professional.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to this. The benefits that technology provides us with can sometimes convince us that it is always the right answer. Why use a pen and paper when you could use the Notes section of your tablet? Why read through an article yourself when you could press F3 and have the buzzword you’re looking for leap to the foreground?

There are instances when these digital aids are useful, but there are also times where something can be lost – whether it be your time, your creativity, or your more nuanced attention to detail. You might find a human touch, with analogue methods, creates output impossible to capture with a screen or keyboard. When you’re approaching a task, ask yourself: how can I do this most effectively? Think first; choose the right tool.

Here is a short video to demonstrate this point.

Special thank to Rewdjety Redick and Annette Simson from the Digital, Social and Creative team, for help on the editing and filming.